In this series Herbarium I will introduce the plants around us and their potential uses. Be attentive to that: we should take away something from the Plant when it allows us to do that, and not more than we need! Leave there as an offering something what can be of service to the Plant. Read more about offerings HERE.)
Comfrey is a very special plant. It is native to Europe and Asia, but can be found in Noth-America too. The genus Sypmhytum contains 34 species. The family Boraginaceae, which contains the genus Symphythum has more medicinal and spice herbs too.
Comfrey is a perennial plant. It likes wet biomes. The roots are growing deep inside the soil, they are dark brown and if cut they are white inside. Leaves are long and growing mostly oppositely. Flowers are mostly purple, pink sometimes yellowish-white. It blooms in summer.
(Image source: Aurora Art)
For therapeutical purposes we can use the leaves and the roots. Roots can be collected in autumn, in winter and in early spring, leaves can be collected during the blooming. We should dry it well because the roots can get fusty easily.
Dried leaves can be used as infusion, brew, tincture. Roots can be used as tincture and unguent. The plant can be used only for EXTERNAL use because it contains toxic ingredients: the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are working off in the stomach and can cause fatal poisoning in the liver. Some countries are banning the comfrey-based products because of the toxicity. We should use it carefully during the external use too because the PA can work off at the skin too, and long-term uses are unsuggested. Medical uses are suggested 1-2 times daily, during 5-7 days only. It can help curing contusion, muscular and joint gout, pain in bones, dislocation, strain. It cannot be used on broken skin. It cannot be used during pregnancy.
Magical purposes: it is useful during traveling, especially the inner traveling, for example pilgrimages, meditation. Carry with us some dried leaves of comfrey during the traveling or let’s make some amulets of it (I will write a longer article about amulets later). Dried leaves can be used in outdoor meditations as incense.
Active substances: allantoin, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA).
It cannot be used on broken skin. Using during pregnancy is forbidden. Only for external use!
(Image source: Google)
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